A Beginner's Look at Life's Biggest Rush by Roger Nelson

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Skydiving has become extremely popular; everywhere you look advertisers are picking up on the theme. Movies, TV commercials and billboards have created a huge demand to learn how to jump. If you just happen to "have the bug," there are a few things you need to know in order to find a good, safe school. Don't be deceived by false claims or discounted prices because skydiving schools are as different as warm days in January versus July. So before we identify how to determine your best interest of safety, we will review the most popular first jump methods.

There are three different ways to begin your skydiving career whether it be only one jump or one thousand. The first jump course that has been around the longest is called static line. This is where a student trains for about six hours then jumps from approximately 3,000 feet with a cord connecting the parachute to the aircraft. About three seconds after a student jumps they experience the deployment of the parachute. This program is considered a parachuting course as the tethered line to the aircraft allows no freefall. Normally five static line jumps are required before a freefall from approximately 3,500 feet is performed. Following that the student can switch programs and go up to the top floor (normally 13,000 feet) for some one-on-one freefall instruction with a jumpmaster.

Since the static line jumps are performed from a lower altitude and the jumpmaster remains in the plane, the static line program is the least expensive (and safest!) first jump course.

The second and most common first jump is called tandem. A tandem jump is where an instructor is strapped on the back of the student and together they exit from altitudes between 9,000 and 15,000 feet. The freefall lasts up to one minute and is followed by a five minute parachute ride. Different schools offer different progression following the first tandem but, in general, tandem is a three jump program. Tandem is considered a skydiving program and a parachuting program as canopy flight instruction is given after the parachute is deployed.

The third method of first jump training is called accelerated freefall or "AFF." This method is the sports' most expensive freefall course and is where a student exits with two instructors wearing their own chute. The AFF program begins after a full day of ground training and normally consists of seven training jump levels. Following AFF another program for additional instruction is necessary to fill the short falls of a seven level program. Although this method was most popular in the 1980s, many schools have ceased pushing this due to the advent of tandem and more efficient freefall programs such as the Advanced Freefall Program (AFP).

When seeking out a location for your training, be advised that skydiving schools vary greatly in what they offer and how they operate. It would be wise to call all the schools in your area and conduct your own research before making a decision. Normally, all skydiving centers provide a free brochure about what they do and will give you a brief explanation on the phone. Some other things to look for are as follows:

The most progressive skydiving centers operate turbine powered aircraft. The more they provide, the better chance you've located a larger operation. Since veteran skydivers frequent the drop zone every weekend, the larger jump fleet shows this is where the customer "in the know" jumps and a good sign for the first jumper. The most obvious benefit of turbine over piston engines is the superior reliability. Secondly, turbine engines climb much faster and higher than piston engine aircraft. Ask what altitudes the first jump you are interested in exits from (industry standard for static-line jumps is 3,000 ft.). Since the higher you go, the longer you freefall, companies that let you jump from a greater elevation give you more bang for your buck!

Another factor that should be considered is the type and condition of the equipment. In the tandem program there are generally two different parachute systems with both being comparable. However, the condition of the equipment should be your concern. Even with no previous experience you can tell if a parachute pack is visually in good condition. Some operations jump the same equipment regardless of it's condition well beyond it's life. Check to make sure it is orderly-looking and kept in a respectful manner on a shelf or in a secure room. Sunlight is extremely damaging to the parachute material as ultra-violet rays damage the canopy in much the same way as old curtains. Make sure the equipment is packed and kept in a shaded area and doesn't look old and faded. If, when arriving at the drop zone you find the overall organization of the operation in question, then it would serve you best to drive to the next location (An outfit like the one featured in the movie Fandango would be avoided). Next, the quality and experience of the tandem or jumpmaster should be researched. Several schools provide national champions and world record holders to head up their instructional program. Although many instructors do not have an interest in such accomplishments it does lend to one's competence. In general, an instructor should have at least 750 jumps for tandem and AFF, and 150 for static line.

Finally, the type of course that is taught should be investigated. In the tandem program if the school does not spend at least an hour in a ground school you are being deprived of the minimum safety information to make the jump. The tandem ground school should teach how to exit the aircraft, how to establish a stable body position in freefall, how to monitor altitudes and how to fully deploy and steer the parachute. Also, the first tandem jump should lead to the next level of training rather than being just an "amusement ride." Many times people make their first jump with the intentions of only doing it once but are so intrigued with the experience they continue through the entire program. This is why you want a school that has a progressive training program that takes you between 15 and 20 jumps or what is referred to as "A" licensed qualified (the "A" license is the basic skydiving license issued by the U.S. Parachute Association). That is a problem with schools that only teach seven jump levels in the AFF program or do not have a continued training course after tandem. If at the end of the program you still need additional instruction and a training structure is not in place, you went to the wrong school.

Without question the most advanced skydiving training programs are the ones used by the World Skydiving Association (WSA). These programs are the sport's most modern and refined programs and are only offered by the elite schools in the country.

It really comes down to common sense in determining if a school is one you wish to jump with. Beginning with your first phone contact, you can tell if the organization is professional, organized and sounds like the operators know what they are doing. Make sure you don't get trapped in choosing the least expensive schools because there is normally a reason why one school is $10 cheaper than another. If you are looking to make a tandem jump in which the deployment altitude of the parachute is 5,000 feet, a school that flies to 13,000 feet provides over a 50% longer freefall than a school that only jumps from 10,000 feet. Remember, this isn't a sport to trust just anybody and, in general, skydiving school fees are about the same. Also, word of mouth is a great way to check what a previous customer had to say about their experience. Chances are if you ask around enough, you'll find someone who has made a jump and can give you some advice.

Modern skydiving equipment has vastly increased safety as the country enjoys millions of jumps each year. New styles of parachutes continually come on the market as equipment keeps getting smaller and lighter. Today, major skydiving centers with at least two large aircraft are seen all over the country in every major city. So making that first jump is getting easier and easier. As the summer of 1997 approaches make it your goal to try the ultimate experience, Skydiving!

About the author: Roger Nelson is the program director at Skydive Chicago, the nation's largest training center. He holds 4 world records and has earned a gold medal in national competition. With over 6,000 jumps and 98 hours of freefall, Roger is involved in television, lectures and has authored books and articles on the sport. Roger also is a commercial pilot with 10,000 flight hours.